Kid-friendly Places for Dinner in Downtown Chicago
Jul 17th, 2006, 07:22 AM
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Kid-friendly Places for Dinner in Downtown Chicago
We have a family gathering coming up where 3 families will be getting together in Chicago for a long weekend. We all be staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites at West Illinois and North Dearborn Streets downtown. I have been assigned the task of finding reasonably priced places to eat nearby that are good for families with kids. I have done a little research and have found the choices overwhelming. While chain restaurants would not be my first choice, I realize with the "reasonably priced" criteria that might be the way to go. In addition to good value, good food and atmosphere would be nice. Thoughts anyone?
Jul 17th, 2006, 07:32 AM
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It gets slammed sometimes but you really can't beat Ed Debevics diner for a good time for kids.
I also like the ESPN Zone restaurant a lot. And, Pizzeria Uno for deep dish pizza.
You could also go to Mr Beef on Orleans for a classic Italian Beef sandwich or any of the numerous hot dog places. Wiener Circle in Lincoln Park is a famous one but there may be one nearer your hotel.
The food court at Water Tower place is legendary and has something for everyone. You load up your tray and pay for it all at the end.
Rosebud is great for Italian and I like Boston Blackies for burgers.
Finally, Kitty O'Shea's on Navy Pier is fun and try to eat somewhere along the river. I think LaLo's (mexican) has a restaurant on the river.
These are all near your hotel and you can visit metromix.com for reviews and addresses.
I also like the ESPN Zone restaurant a lot. And, Pizzeria Uno for deep dish pizza.
You could also go to Mr Beef on Orleans for a classic Italian Beef sandwich or any of the numerous hot dog places. Wiener Circle in Lincoln Park is a famous one but there may be one nearer your hotel.
The food court at Water Tower place is legendary and has something for everyone. You load up your tray and pay for it all at the end.
Rosebud is great for Italian and I like Boston Blackies for burgers.
Finally, Kitty O'Shea's on Navy Pier is fun and try to eat somewhere along the river. I think LaLo's (mexican) has a restaurant on the river.
These are all near your hotel and you can visit metromix.com for reviews and addresses.
Jul 17th, 2006, 10:39 AM
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RoadWarriorNM, Gino's East has changed place addresses and product.
There is a LOT of disagreement on pizza in Chicago. See the Chicago pizza threads using the search function of this site.
My favorite is Due's. Lots of others like L. Malanti's and others Giordano's in the original.
Another good kid choice for everyone and little cost is Golden Buddha Loop location.
If you don't mind chains, you could go to Cheesecake Factory and split their humongous portions.
There is a LOT of disagreement on pizza in Chicago. See the Chicago pizza threads using the search function of this site.
My favorite is Due's. Lots of others like L. Malanti's and others Giordano's in the original.
Another good kid choice for everyone and little cost is Golden Buddha Loop location.
If you don't mind chains, you could go to Cheesecake Factory and split their humongous portions.
Jul 17th, 2006, 12:10 PM
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Craig, Try Portillos at 100 Ontario. Close to where you are staying - across the street from the Rock-N-Roll McDonalds and diagnal to the Hard Rock Cafe. They have Chicago Dogs, hamburgers, Italian Beef, etc on one side and Italian Food on the other side. We always eat there at least a couple of times when are fortunate enough to make a trip to Chicago. The food is good and reasonably priced. It is counter service but the lines move very quickly. It is a cute little place too! Have fun! Vacationmom
Jul 17th, 2006, 12:52 PM
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Potillo's is a great suggestion.
I would have totally recommended Gino's East but NOT in the current location. I did just see a new pizza place opened at Gino's OLD location...I didn't catch the name b/c I was driving but it looked good. Anyone seen it?
I would have totally recommended Gino's East but NOT in the current location. I did just see a new pizza place opened at Gino's OLD location...I didn't catch the name b/c I was driving but it looked good. Anyone seen it?
Jul 17th, 2006, 01:05 PM
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There are some good food courts at North Bridge Mall (Nordstrom's), 700 North Michigan and Water Tower Place. The first one is closest to your hotel. Corner Bakeries are all over and have good food served cafeteria-style. My kids love California Pizza Kitchen at Water Tower.
Maggiano's is red sauce Italian, and yes, it's a chain, but it's the original restaurant, close by, and the portions are big - you can easily split things.
Local diner Tempo at Chestnut and State is open 24 hours in case some in your group like to eat at weird hours (this seems to happen often on arrival day.)
It might be fun to have one group go to a more expensive or adventurous place (several good Thai places in that neighborhood) while others go to Gold Coast Dogs or Portillo's.
Lou Malnati's pizza is great, though not everyone likes their sausage; it's a pretty thick layer. Their deep dish has a delicious cornmeal crust, and the thin crust is more standard and very tasty - get the fresh tomatoes as a topping. And now, please excuse me while I give Lou's a call....
Maggiano's is red sauce Italian, and yes, it's a chain, but it's the original restaurant, close by, and the portions are big - you can easily split things.
Local diner Tempo at Chestnut and State is open 24 hours in case some in your group like to eat at weird hours (this seems to happen often on arrival day.)
It might be fun to have one group go to a more expensive or adventurous place (several good Thai places in that neighborhood) while others go to Gold Coast Dogs or Portillo's.
Lou Malnati's pizza is great, though not everyone likes their sausage; it's a pretty thick layer. Their deep dish has a delicious cornmeal crust, and the thin crust is more standard and very tasty - get the fresh tomatoes as a topping. And now, please excuse me while I give Lou's a call....
Jul 17th, 2006, 01:08 PM
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I would agree with Ed Debevic's. It's a 60's diner, with an attitude (intentionally rude, but fun waiters that have been even known to get up on the counter and sing). Seems that the kids there have alway enjoye it.
Jul 20th, 2006, 02:30 PM
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Ed Debevics is a must! Yes, the wait staff is a bit "crusty" but that's part of the "act" and the kids will get a kick out of it. Get "Car Wash" playing and they all drop everything to jump up on the counter to sing & dance along. Pizzeria Uno is good, but typical chain fare and atmosphere. In my family, Gino's and Aurelio's are tied for best pizza and all of their restaurants are family oriented. Also, for a real taste of Chicago, you can grab a Chicago Dog for lunch from a cart just about anywhere downtown. This is an absolute must! And remember, don't ruin it with ketchup! (lol)
Jul 20th, 2006, 06:20 PM
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For your rib joint question: does Carson's or Lawry's sound familiar?
I agree with all the previous suggstions, but I'm being honest -- my husband and I tried Ed Debevic's once, and the place was so loud that we didn't stay. It might have been a certain time of day, but even the good-fun, intentionally wise-cracking waitresses weren't worth this headache -- but maybe the kids will love it.
We also like the Big Bowl in the Ed Debevic area for Asian food that kids would probably like, although we like the location near Oak Street better.
I agree with all the previous suggstions, but I'm being honest -- my husband and I tried Ed Debevic's once, and the place was so loud that we didn't stay. It might have been a certain time of day, but even the good-fun, intentionally wise-cracking waitresses weren't worth this headache -- but maybe the kids will love it.
We also like the Big Bowl in the Ed Debevic area for Asian food that kids would probably like, although we like the location near Oak Street better.
Aug 1st, 2006, 06:06 AM
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didn't see any mention of the RAIN FORREST CAFE, fun place for young and old. food is pretty good for a chain. cross the street you can also get several fun tours. chicago is nice but most prices are not family friendly.
